The best free dictation software
The best free dictation is already on your device: Apple Dictation, Windows voice typing and Gboard voice typing are all free and unlimited. For dictation in every app with no word limit and no internet, Superwhisper and Spokenly have free plans that run on your own device.
Based on each maker's published plans, checked October 23, 2026. Free plans change, so check before you rely on one. How we compare
Free and built in
| Option | Where | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Dictation | Mac, iPhone, iPad | Stops after 30 seconds of silence. Many languages run on device. |
| Windows voice typing | Windows (Windows + H) | Needs internet |
| Voice Access | Windows 11 | Works offline. English, Spanish, French, German. |
| Gboard voice typing | Android | Pixel 6 and later get extra features |
| ChromeOS Dictation | Chromebook | Speak the device's language |
| Google Docs voice typing | Docs in Chrome, Edge or Safari | Voice commands are English only |
| Dicktation online tool | Any computer with Chrome, Edge or Safari | Works in this browser tab only |
Microsoft Word's Dictate is not free. It needs a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Free plans of dictation apps
| App | What's free | Works on |
|---|---|---|
| Superwhisper | Unlimited dictation with on-device models, two modes | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android |
| Spokenly | Unlimited dictation with on-device models, or with your own AI API key | Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone |
| Wispr Flow | 2,000 words a week on desktop, limited on mobile | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android |
| Willow Voice | Basic plan with a smaller AI model | Mac, Windows, iPhone |
| Typeless | A limited number of words each week | Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Aqua Voice | 1,000 words in total, so more of a trial | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android |
| MacWhisper | Free tier for local transcription | Mac |
| Talon Voice | Free, funded by donations | Mac, Windows, Linux |
Which free option should you use?
- Occasional messages and notes: your device's built-in dictation.
- Long documents in Google Docs: Docs voice typing, for its formatting commands.
- Dictation in every app, with no word limit and no cloud: Superwhisper or Spokenly on their free plans. Local models run best on newer computers, such as Macs with Apple silicon.
- Controlling the whole computer by voice: Voice Control on Mac, Voice Access on Windows, or Talon.